Steve Becker

I'm a Navy veteran and technology executive who helps veterans land in civilian life and helps people over 50 use AI with confidence.

VETU.S. Navy veteran
About 30 years in IT leadership
“Simplicity beats complexity. Integrity beats speed.”My operating philosophy

Find my work

Veteran2VeteranYouTube channel MOS2CivilianMilitary to civilian careers CFRVerifyDocument governance Practical AI ProsAI for adults 50+ Survival of the FittestThe book Make It Happen Cap'nNewsletter

Make It Happen Cap'n

Short notes on captaining your own rowboat: leading yourself first, finishing what you start, and laughing at the mistakes along the way.

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My story

U.S. NavyWhere I learned that systems only work when people trust each other.
IT consultancyCo-founded in my late twenties.
After 9/11Left the firm and framed houses. Different tools, same lesson: build it straight.
IT leadershipAbout thirty years in, now at Dell Technologies.

I've been the guy in the room with the title and the guy swinging a hammer for a paycheck. Both taught me something. The hammer taught me that you can't talk your way past a crooked wall.

I believe simplicity beats complexity, integrity beats speed, and long-term leverage beats short-term excitement. I'd rather own a mistake out loud than pretend it didn't happen. Looking back, that habit has saved me more than any credential.

What I'm working on

Teach

Free, practical lessons on YouTube.

  • Veteran2VeteranEducation for veterans on YouTube.
  • MOS2CivilianTranslates military experience into civilian careers.
  • Practical AI ProsPlain-English AI for adults 50 and up: what it does, what to watch for, and how to stay safe.

Build

One product, built carefully.

  • CFRVerifyA governance platform that stress-tests high-stakes business documents before they reach a board, an investor, or a client.

Write & speak

Lessons from the field, told as stories.

Family before business

I measure success by whether I made a difference in the lives of my family. Work is how I support them, and I'm grateful for it, but they come first and always will. The ventures are good work. They aren't the reason I do it.

When priorities fight each other, I settle it the same way every time.

FaithKnowledgeFamilyHealthTimeMoney

Speaking

Keynotes and workshops on leadership and practical AI, told the way I'd tell it at the kitchen table.

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Get in touch

Questions, speaking, or a seat in My Operating Manual? Send me a note and I'll write back.